Why Does Sunburn Skin Peel Off in the Sheets?
Human skin responds to the weather, humidity, air pollution, heat and cold, the sun and countless other factors. As the organ responsible for protecting the body, the skin must remain at a constant temperature. Fever and sunburn can shift that temperature and the skin will respond. Sunburned skin is damaged skin and peeling is part of the repair process.
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Skin
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Skin is the largest organ in the human body and acts as a membrane to cover the muscles, organs and bones of the body. It maintains the body's temperature, enabling the other systems to function optimally. Skin can suffer infections, burns and other conditions which need attention. Some skin sunburns more easily than others. Sunscreens protect against burning from the harmful rays of the sun, allowing the skin to maintain its moisture levels.
Composition
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Skin is made up of three layers. The inner layer which conducts energy and insulates the body is composed of subcutaneous fat. The middle layer, or dermis, contains nerve endings and collagen and elastin. The outer layer of skin is called the epidermis. Skin cells are developed at the bottom of the epidermis and once ready, move to the surface of the skin. As skin cells age or are damaged by the sun or other factors, they dry and flake or peel off.
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Sunburn
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Sunburn, according to the Ohio State University, is a visible response to harmful sunlight. Signs and symptoms of sunburn include chills, blisters, dryness, peeling and redness. Harmful UV rays damage the lower layers of the skin and as moisture vacates the damaged upper layers, the skin peels and falls off. Bedsheets can catch on the peeling skin patches, tugging them during sleep. The peeling skin must come off to make way for new skin growth.
Healing
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For relief of sunburn pain, cool water can sooth the burning sensation and reduce the temperature of the burned skin. Aloe vera can help with dehydration of the skin's cells helping to avoid peeling. As the sunburn heals, the flaking and peeling skin can be moisturized with lotions and it is best to avoid the sun. The new skin is tender and can burn even more easily, so sunlight should be avoided. Condition the new skin growth with a gentle lotion.
Protection
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To maintain the healthiest skin, certain measures must be taken to avoid harmful activities in the sun. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding the sun at its peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing hats and clothing that cover exposed skin and using sunscreen generously. Certain medications and herbs can react with the sun causing issues with rashes and other skin conditions.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
